help figuring out measurements for a modified circle skirt... math is not my strong point!

Hi ladies!

I really like the look of the 1.5 circle skirts with 2 slits up the side, but I realize that it's too full for my short frame/personal preference, so I'd like to make a modified version: 1/3 circle in front, 3/4 in back.

Can anyone help me with figuring out the hip measurements and an easy way to measure 1/3 and 3/4 circles? I fully admit that I'm one of those "any and all math for dummies" people who can only do basic arithmetic.

Re: help figuring out measurements for a modified circle skirt... math is not my strong point!

I don't think a properly made 1.5 circle skirt would overwhelm even the shortest dancer. The geometry of a circle skirt sort of scales it automatically -- the taller you are, the larger the perimeter of the circle skirt edge. The shorter you are, the smaller the perimeter of the circle skirt edge.

If you have tried circle skrits on off the rack and felt overwhelmed, it was probably because it was made from a one-size-fits-all pattern that produced something wayyyyy to full at the hip for your frame.

If you cut the little circle out that makes the hip opening sufficiently small, you will get a skirt that is quite fitted at the hip. If you choose flowey fabric like chiffon or silk charmeuse, the bottom edge will not be overly full.

When you cut the little circle out, keep in mind that the hip edge will stretch 30% or more on the bias. You might need to cut out a circle as small as 3" radius

Originally Posted by xodinahox

Hi ladies!

I really like the look of the 1.5 circle skirts with 2 slits up the side, but I realize that it's too full for my short frame/personal preference, so I'd like to make a modified version: 1/3 circle in front, 3/4 in back.

Can anyone help me with figuring out the hip measurements and an easy way to measure 1/3 and 3/4 circles? I fully admit that I'm one of those "any and all math for dummies" people who can only do basic arithmetic.

Re: help figuring out measurements for a modified circle skirt... math is not my strong point!

you make a good point, ssipes!

i've recently tried a circle skirt that was my size (made for a shorty and hip measurement was good, too), but that fabric was a little stiff with sequins all over. i didn't like how it flowed or looked on me.

i've also tried circle skirts that were way too long and rolling them up at the waistband really bulked up the hip area. i didn't like that at all.

i also have another chiffon regular circle skirt, but the material isn't the best quality. it doesn't flow well and it has some pulling/puckering at the sequin trim along the bottom. i doubt i'll ever use it in performance.

i need to find a good, flow-y material that drapes and moves well .... i was in a fabric store here in Germany, and they had only high quality polyester chiffon, but it was way expensive - 25 euros per meter!!!! apparently, chiffon is very expensive in Germany...

maybe i'll try my luck on some faux silk or something just to see if i can get the 1.5 circles to work on my frame.

Re: help figuring out measurements for a modified circle skirt... math is not my strong point!

You have very similar measurements to me, Dina!

I second ssipes opinion - get the measurements (and fabric) right, and the skirt will not overwhelm you.

This is the process I use to make my circle skirts:
I tend to cut the largest size half-circles that will fit on tha fabric (usually at least 40" radius)
then cut the waist circle (usually 4" radius for single circle, 3" radius for 1.5 circle).
let it hang by that waist edge.
After a few days, sew up the vertical edges where appropriate, and pin or tack the top edge together.
Throw it on over your head and decide if you need to cut any more out to make the waist fit better (much better to cut it too small to start with).
If you do need to make the waist larger, cut it very little at a time, making it incrementally larger.
Once the waist is the right size, hang and trim the bottom edge to make it the right length.
Finish as appropriate (I usually put a rolled hem on the bottom of my skirts)

The reason I throw the skirt on over my head is that I have a much smaller UH measurement than LH. By making the skirt waist fit my UH measurement, it sits flat and neatly (no bunching) over my hips. It also means I don't have to put elastic into my circle skirts (no muffin top!), but I do have to 'dive' into them rather than pull them up!

Alternatively, if you're having slits, you can finish the skirt/waist by making it a wrap skirt, doing up with a hook and eye. Same effect as described above (no elastic), easier to put on.

Re: help figuring out measurements for a modified circle skirt... math is not my strong point!

Originally Posted by showtime

Check Shira's website. She posted the formula to custom-size a full skirt. Excellent info and easy to understand, even for a math novice like moi.

Just thought I'd point out that while Shira's instructions are excellent, I ended up with a much larger hole (UH) than I needed or wanted. I'm an engineer, so her math (which I of course reviewed thoroughly ) all made perfect sense to me .

However, I'm not an experienced seamstress, so I did not realize the opening would stretch on the bias, as Ssipes has pointed out . My skirt makes me look very hippy. I'm going to try Superbunny's approach next time.